Energy concerns are also a vital component of the community resilience equation because energy literally powers our communities, making modern life possible. Energy efficiency is an ideal component of any resilience strategy because it aids emergency response and recovery, helps with climate change adaptation and mitigation, and provides social and economic benefits. In our latest report, EnhancingCommunity Resilience Through Energy Efficiency, we discuss energy efficiency measures and their resilience benefits, and how efficiency can be integrated into resilience planning.

Take the example of energy-efficient buildings from our infographic below. If an emergency causes a power outage or heating fuel disruption, high-performance buildings can maintain their temperatures so residents may be able to shelter in place, as long as buildings’ structural integrity is maintained. This is particularly important for vulnerable populations sensitive to temperature changes, like those with medical conditions or the elderly. And, even when there is no emergency, buildings that are energy-efficient waste less energy, which generally translates to lower and less volatile energy bills for households. More stable billing means families can prepare better for the future, and it frees up disposable income that can be invested in other needs. Energy-efficient buildings also use less power, which translates to fewer greenhouse gases emissions, an important consideration to many local policymakers attempting to mitigate climate change. (For another example of energy efficiency and resilience, check out our 2012 blog post about how combined heat and power was deployed during Hurricane Sandy.)

Good resilience planning uses cross-cutting solutions to address diverse community needs, helping residents prepare for the varied threats that may come their way. Energy efficiency can be a core strategy for not only tackling these threats but also creating more prosperous communities.

ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency
in Buildings - Papers

Overview / Mission

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors. We believe that the United States can harness the full potential of energy efficiency to achieve greater economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection for all its people.